by Matthew Navy Area 32 Director
Here in North Texas, we’re all too familiar with the sun and the heat. While the sun goes down in the evening and the heat subsides, there wasn’t a brighter or hotter night in the Lone Star state than at the District 25 Year End Celebration, or YEC, at the Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth, TX, Saturday, August 24, 2024.
“Let Your Sunshine Show” was this year’s theme. Attendees radiated in the most shiny and colorful dress. From glittering purple jackets to shimmering gold apparel, guests arrived with style from all over our district. From jeans to pantsuits, skirts to tuxedos, sharply dressed Toastmasters posed for photos, mingled between tables, and teemed the room with mirth and conversation.
As a first-time guest to the celebration, I was absolutely awed by the welcoming atmosphere of the sold-out room of 176 seats (late ticket purchasers even had to be turned away). It became clear to me most immediately that this event was no small celebration in measure. Representatives from every chapter in District 25 strode tall and proud at the event and cheered on their clubs in spades with every recognition of their achievements. From every corner of the banquet hall, cheers erupted in acknowledgment of the hard-working Toastmasters who committed their time and efforts over the 2023 – 2024 year to seeing their dedication on display. For me, a particularly marvelous moment came when the District Leaders of the past 14 years — all present — were called up to stand on the main stage, showcasing the commitment and strength of this incredible, one-of-a-kind District.
If you haven’t attended a YEC in the past, then make it your mission to mark your calendars for this big event for the 2024 – 2025 year. For me, having been a part of the experience and seeing first-hand how incredible the leadership, the mentorship and the membership is at District 25, I am excited to experience next year’s event, and to GROW together this season.
